In a National Signing Day surprise, South Plantation star running back Alex Collins did not sign with the University of Arkansas as planned Wednesday morning and was absent from the school’s signing ceremony.

South Plantation athletic director Mike Collins was vague about Alex Collins’ absence, but noted “more due diligence needs to be done on the family’s side of things,” and confirmed that the running back had not signed a national letter-of-intent with any college.

“We’re going to give the family as much time as they need to make the right decision,” Mike Collins told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “At this time there’s no indication of anything other than the original plan. The family just wants more time.”

Collins, a five-star recruit rated the nation’s No. 1 running back by 247Sports.com, announced Monday night on live television on Fox Sports South that he had chosen to sign with Arkansas over Miami, Florida State, Florida and Wisconsin.

A placard with his name on it was set up on the table at South Plantation’s signing ceremony, but it was removed just before the start of the ceremony. South Plantation coach Doug Gatewood was also mysteriously absent from the signing ceremony. Gatewood was at the school about 90 minutes before the ceremony, but declined comment to the Sun-Sentinel when asked about Collins’ decision to sign with Arkansas. Mike Collins said the running back came to school Wednesday morning, but then left.

In a National Signing Day surprise, South Plantation star running back Alex Collins did not sign with the University of Arkansas as planned Wednesday morning and was absent from the school’s signing ceremony.

South Plantation athletic director Mike Collins was vague about Alex Collins’ absence, but noted “more due diligence needs to be done on the family’s side of things,” and confirmed that the running back had not signed a national letter-of-intent with any college.

“We’re going to give the family as much time as they need to make the right decision,” Mike Collins told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “At this time there’s no indication of anything other than the original plan. The family just wants more time.”

Collins, a five-star recruit rated the nation’s No. 1 running back by 247Sports.com, announced Monday night on live television on Fox Sports South that he had chosen to sign with Arkansas over Miami, Florida State, Florida and Wisconsin.

A placard with his name on it was set up on the table at South Plantation’s signing ceremony, but it was removed just before the start of the ceremony. South Plantation coach Doug Gatewood was also mysteriously absent from the signing ceremony. Gatewood was at the school about 90 minutes before the ceremony, but declined comment to the Sun-Sentinel when asked about Collins’ decision to sign with Arkansas. Mike Collins said the running back came to school Wednesday morning, but then left.